Cupping is an ancient Chinese therapy in which a jar is attached to the skin to cause local congestion through the negative pressure (vacuum) created by cups affixed on the skin either by means of heat or suction. This produces increased circulation to the underlying tissues. The cup can then be left on the skin whereby blood stasis is formed and localized healing takes place and/or runs along the meridians of the body. Meridians are the conduits in the body through which energy flows to every part of the body and through every organ and tissue.
Cupping has also been found to affect the body up to four inches into the tissues, causing tissues to release heat and toxins, disperse swellings, release muscle tension, reduce fever, activate the lymphatic system, clear colon blockages, help to clear the veins, arteries and capillaries, invigorate the skin, clear stretch marks and improve varicose veins.
Precautions for cupping
– As with all procedures the practitioner immediately if the procedure is too uncomfortable
– The patient must be advised of the possibility of bruising
– Disposable cups must be used if there is any possibility of bleeding – ie cupping after needling
– Glass cups may only be used over intact skin
– Care must be taken not to overheat the cups before placement on the body
– As long as there has been no bleeding, cups must be washed with hot water and detergent after every patient. If bleeding has occurred, then cups must be autoclaved or disposed of.
Contraindications for cupping
– Areas over open wounds
– Oedema
– Any area overlying a large blood vessel
– During high fever or convulsions
– Over abdominal or sacral areas on pregnant women